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❃ EMIEL REGIS ROHELLEC TERZIEFF-GODEFROY, BETTER KNOWN SIMPLY AS REGIS OR EMIEL REGIS. TRAVELING BARBER-SURGEON. FRIEND TO GERALT OF RIVIA. A RATHER RESERVED HIGHER VAMPIRE WITH A TENDENCY TO WAX POETIC ABOUT PHILOSOPHY. ❃
➳
☩ OLDER AND WISER THAN YOU. ⸻ ❝ We have witnessed—and, in fact, on several occasions incited—many great and weighty events. After all that toil, I believe we deserve a bit of a rest. ❞
The Healer.
☽ BASED ONLY ON THE BOOKS & GAMES. ☾
BIO & RULES
【 A character of Panda Bear's. 】
➶ ┊ ANY FOLLOWING WILL COME FROM THE MAIN BLOG. THIS IS ONLY A SIDE-BLOG. OTHERS: afriendtoravens, voidofvices, the-shattered-shield, tuckeresque, notacarrotcruncher, grumpymusings, quietdilettante┊
The gif used came from THIS wonderful blog. ꧂
:: conversations in the dark // emiel regis x geralt of rivia // for @bloodandwhite ::
⸻
It was quiet here. There was a certain peace and tranquility that often accompanied time spent with Geralt in the evenings. Here in the Mère-Lachaiselongue Cemetery they would have to part ways, though. They knew as much, had said as much earlier while they chatted over a roaring fire and hooch.
While the witcher slept, Regis lost himself to dark and somber thoughts. He had to go. The loneliness bit away at him, eager to have him walking a different path so it could torment him relentlessly, no doubt. He loathed the way it made his stomach turn. It was time to leave. Toussaint was no longer safe for vampires. His thoughts inevitably turned to Dettlaff, disgusted with the way the entire situation had played out. Things could have gone so differently. He could have lived.
He cursed beneath his breath as he packed his things, daring to glance Geralt's way one last time. "Have a good life, my friend," he murmured quietly, thankful for the man's restful sleep, before misting away.
⸻
Regis had been wandering along the path, which seemed to swirl beyond the thick trees for miles and had become rather overgrown as the years passed. He used to know this route by heart. Finding the way had become quite a task over the past few days. His head tilted curiously as he eyed the girl and her bird. Rather in surprise, he grinned at the sight. It left him both astounded and utterly pleased.
Ah, another lover of feathered friends...
"Unfortunately, yes. I daresay I've been searching for that all afternoon. It's a trinket of mine, and an invention I should say. It's called a compass, to help me find the way. May I have it?"
He wandered closer, eyes alight with curiosity and wonder.
"What's your name, dear girl?"
Open Starter!
"Hey! Come here, Fen! Show me what you got there!" Rose looked at her trusted magpie friend, who was playing with something in the grass. It was a shiny trinket, but she couldn't quite make out what it was yet. Before the herbalist could grab it, the bird took it and a flew up the nearest tree, holding the shiny bauble.
"Did you steal something again?" Rose sighed in annoyance. "Come down here at once! I want to see what it is." she spoke firmly, gesturing the magpie to sit on her arm. The bird reluctantly descended from his branch onto her arm. As she took the trinket from the bird, she noticed someone coming their way.
"Hello there!" Rose greeted the stranger. "Did my magpie take this from you?" she asked, holding up the item.
⸻
Surely, Regis' appearance wasn't as much of a surprise as this. It made his head spin. He was heartbroken, a heavy ache lingering in his chest for one he considered a very dear friend (one who had saved his life, no less) and the turmoil and agony he felt.
"Dettlaff... You must have known I would come for you," he said, voice softer than initially intended. He had to swallow his emotions for the time being. "You're in distress. Beings aren't meant to carry this much of a heavy burden alone. You must have known that I would try to find you, that I wouldn't leave you to torture of the mind and soul, left only to suffer alone. Humans call it friendship. Do you not believe in such a concept? Come now. You saved my life. Why can I not try to save you in return?"
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He had followed his word. After giving Syanna what she deserved, Dettlaff had gone into hiding, keeping his distance from humans and creatures alike. It was better this way. But yet, it was still hard for him to move on from what had happened.
So when Regis, his old friend, had shown up, he was surprised. "Regis...why have you come here? I have kept my distance."
-----
It turned out to be four years before Geralt came across Regis again, and it wasn't by any kind of plan or design. He hadn't heard anything from or of his friend since that night in the cemetery. He'd heard the odd squawk of a raven in the trees ahead while he'd been going about his business, but nothing beyond that.
He hadn't quite fully managed to retire, as soothing as he found it to have a home, the first real place to call his in his life time, the silent life wasn't completely for him just yet. There was still a rough edged restlessness about him that he couldn't seem to settle. The Path called to him still, fate -which he was still a little prickly about- had other plans for him yet.
He'd found himself near Nilfgard on a job and since he was so close he'd decided to drop in. It would have been a shame to be so close to Ciri and not to see her -neither of them would have forgiven him for that- but now he was spending some time to recharge, get some new armor and supplies before he moved on again.
Currently he was settled in the shade of the market place, resting against the wall outside of the herbalist, while he waited for them to gather his order and across the square the armorer was busy knocking out a fresh chest plate for him. He was in no rush, though. For the moment he was content enough to let life drift by.
⸻
The road to Nilfgaard was long and lonely. The only creatures to keep him company along the way were any ravens in the area. It was enough for now. It had to be.
Ravens and vampires tended to be fond of each other. The lack of human chaos from the vampires was reassuring to the birds, and in return, the birds looked out for the vampires. It was a relationship built on understanding more than trust, on respect more than friendliness.
There was, of course, a vampire who was an exception to these generalizations. He understood and respected the ravens, like the rest of his kind, but he trusted and befriended them as well. The energy of his being was calmer than any creature the ravens knew.
They knew he hadn’t always been this way, and they knew he contained vast amounts of strength, but he smiled whenever he spotted a black bird, and he often spoke to them about his life or his passing thoughts, whether mundane or compelling, so the ravens grew to like him more than the rest of the vampires they watched over. It made for easy companionship.
His thoughts often roamed to Dettlaff, wondering if things might have been different. Not everyone held a capability or capacity to live like him. Dettlaff was the very proof of that. Betrayal had wounded him too deeply. Regis had to remind himself that this was perhaps the only true outcome that would have come to pass, given the situation and its turn of events. Nevertheless, he should have tried. He could have done more. Regis often blamed himself for things that were out of his control, he knew this to be true, but the feeling remained. It was a deep and lingering one. He should have tried harder where Dettlaff was concerned.
-----
It wasn't long before Geralt became aware of eyes on him, his instincts kicking in and it only took him a moment to zero in on the culprit.
He didn't think he'd lay eyes on his friend again if he was being completely honest with himself. There had been no goodbye before, but there had been no promises made either. In fact, a part of him had even considered that if it hadn't been for that contract in Toussaint he never would have known that his friend was even alive. That struck a chord somewhere deep inside him, but he couldn't, wouldn't consider it too deeply.
He arched a brow when he caught Regis' gaze, the very corner of his mouth pulling up into a smile. "Fancy that," he mused, voice gruff, he knew that even over the crowd Regis would be able to hear him. "Small world after all."
He didn't yet move from his shady spot, leant against the wall with his arms crossed, he was pleased to see Regis, but he'd leave the door open for Regis to approach if he chose. For someone so incredibly loyal the man could be flighty sometimes.
⸻
Regis, while on his travels, often thought of his weary witcher and wondered how things were going for him. His ravens told him enough. He was safe. He was alright. If need be, Regis would have flown to him. He would always be there to help if it was required. The years passed, though, and time slipped away from him.
Humanity flew by. They moved so quickly, and Regis wondered if it was because time moved so slowly for him, the opposite of humanity's view of things. The world turned, the days progressed, and life was still as fleeting. Things were different for a vampire.
True, he never healed from the knowledge of that final day and the few before it. He had ended a friend's life. Not just a friend, but one so closely tied to him. He had saved him. He should have tried harder. The words rang through his mind on the loneliest of nights.
He had been in Nilfgaard since leaving Geralt. He hadn't strayed from the area. There were far too many humans to help. He had a shop set up, renting a space from a fellow herbalist and healer. He spotted a familiar face as he was out running errands, a scent catching his nose that he never thought he'd encounter again. His eyes scanned the crowd before landing on Geralt, idly wondering if he had spotted him yet.
These days, Regis looked far better. His resurrection, while it might not have been complete, was successful. His hair was darker, body more filled out and less thin and bony. He'd gained some weight, felt healthier, and looked less like death warmed over.
-----
As Regis approached Geralt pushed himself off of the wall, moving forward to close the space between them. He greeted Regis warmly, with a rare hug -which despite his exterior he quite enjoyed in the right circumstances.
"We should both count ourselves lucky, it's good to see you, Regis."
With a light pat to the other mans back he slowly relinquished his hold, but didn't back all the way out of his personal space. There was something incredibly comforting in being that close so why not make the most of it while he could? There was no telling how long this encounter would last.
"Home," he rumbled thoughtfully. "Still somewhat of a new concept, not used to it. I was in town to see Ciri, thought I'd treat myself to some new gear and stock up on some herbs while I was here."
He eyed the other man. "What brings you here? This where you're calling home at the moment?"
There were always plenty of people that needed help in Nilfgaard and that was where Regis thrived.
⸻
He worried away for a moment, a hand moving through his hair and eventually clutching at his satchel's strap. Geralt's words were soft but he'd heard them so clearly. His ears perked up. He had missed that voice. For a moment, the ghost of a smile appeared on his lips before fading as a heavy ache settled deep within him. It was the weight of sorrow that more often than not accompanied a long-awaited hello. They met this way, fleeting moments in one another's lives. But could there be a hello after no goodbye had ever been given? He wasn't so sure. He suddenly regretted never bidding him a fond farewell at the cemetery, however hard it would have been.
He wandered over, dark eyes lingering on the man as he relaxed in the shade.
"My old friend," he called to him, waiting for him to rise for an embrace. He curled a graceful finger and its claw at him, silently asking him over. "It's been such a long time since we've crossed paths. I should count myself lucky that I happened to be in the town square this afternoon. What brings you here? You should be home, no?"
-----
"Ciri is... She's great, all grown up now and stubborn," Geralt replied with a nod, the pride in his tone clear for anyone to see. "She's everything she ever wanted to be and most of all she's free. You'll have to meet her again some time, properly this time, she'd be fascinated to speak with you."
He dropped back to rest against the wall in the spot he'd been occupying before, his arms coming across his chest once more as he eyed the man beside him. He looked better than the last time he'd seen him. Healthier, fuller in the body and shoulders, his skin wasn't as pale either and his hair had lost the salt and pepper colour that it had carried, now it was the smooth, unblemished dark it had been when they first met. It was good to see.
He smiled at the offer, not surprised that Regis' first instinct would be to help him, to stock him up and supply him for the road, to keep him hale and hardy on the Path.
"Well, you are very charming, I'm not entirely surprised that she has a bit of a thing for you. It's cute." He teased. "Where would be home for you next?"
⸻
"How is Cirilla doing? My... The years have certainly passed us by, haven't they? I'm sure she's had a great many adventures of her own by now. Quite a few stories to tell as well, and some she'd rather not share. How could she not be well-traveled? She is your daughter, after all."
His head tilted, kind eyes lingering on his friend. He patted his cheek fondly and glanced out at the town square, eyes finding the fountain and eyes those meandering past. With a sigh, he took a seat nearby, plopping himself down by the spot where Geralt had previously been. The embrace they had shared moments before left him feeling warm inside, more relaxed and comforted than he'd felt in ages. It was a welcome feeling.
"It's terrific seeing you. I'm overjoyed to see a friendly face. I have some herbs that I could give you—free of charge, of course. Potions as well, while we're at it. And yes, this is home, I suppose. I've traveled around. I rent a spot in a shop just down the road, and I help those in need. I've been contemplating moving on to another town, though. The innkeeper next door has her eyes on me, and while I'm flattered by her advances, her feelings aren't exactly returned. I've said as much to her, not that she seems to care."
His ears went red at the admission, and he chuckled as he scratched his cheek. "Blasted woman won't leave me be. It's become an irritation when I leave the shop. Gods forbid I stop at the inn for a warm meal as well. I never hear the end of it from her."
-----
"Now, don't sell yourself short, you could charm anyone if you tried. It's one of the many reasons people like you so much, Regis. You have a way with people."
There was the barest hint of a playful smirk tugging at the corner of Geralt's mouth as he teased his friend, but it was true all the same. Regis had this special way with people, he drew them in, helped them, healed them and made them feel safe. It was unusual and wonderful to witness.
"Well, my job is plenty dangerous so if you're sure you want to tag along, I'd welcome the company. And someone to help patch me up when things go wrong could be useful."
He cocked his head and looked over at the other man. He missed people when he was alone for too long, he was different to other witchers that way, this would be good for him, no doubt.
"I'm certainly lucky to have her at any rate. And I think she'll be pleased to finally be able to say thank you, for what you did for her."
⸻
"What you say is cute, teasing me so, I say is dastardly in return. Charming I am not, and now you're only making the situation worse. She's... a rather interesting woman. Round, short, and wild-haired. She's certainly not a woman, or even a being in general, that I'd ever be interested in."
He turned to send a pointed glare in Geralt's direction, all at once teasing and faux-mocking. An elegant brow rose upwards and he chuckled, unable to help himself.
"I'm not entirely sure where I would call home next, but..." He paused, trailing off as he turned his gaze on Geralt once again. "An idea has come to me, seeing you again. I daresay that trouble follows you. Perhaps I'll set off on the Path with you for a while, if you're in need of a bit of company. You're certainly injured enough. Would it help to have a doctor of sorts by your side, my friend?"
The proposition itself was certainly an interesting one. It filled him with warmth for the moment, comforting him to imagine them on new adventures together, helping people, solving mysteries, et cetera.
"I would very much like to see Cirilla again. I can only imagine how she's grown. She's lucky to have you, and to now have her freedom that she's craved for so long. It brings my heart some much-needed joy. If I was to travel with you, perhaps I'll finally have that opportunity."
-----
Geralt considered Regis for along moment as the man spoke, as he lounged beneath the shade of the tree, taking a little time to enjoy the coolness after the heat of the sun. He looked so alive. It was still quite startling after Regis had been nothing more than a dark smear against stone.
"Lets hope we've just about exhausted that level of trouble. Normal levels of trouble and monsters would make a nice change."
His voice was gruff, a little rough around the edges as he responded to the playfulness though a part of him wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that wasn't the case. There was probably still some trouble lurking for them out there, but he could do without the 'end of the world' bit for a while.
"You think?" He asked, not always so certain himself, but he tried and he supposed that counted.
⸻
"Oh? Is that so?" asked Regis, teasing in response to his compliments. "If that's the case, then why have I only seemed to lure in an old maid? Surely, I could have done better... Not that this town seems to offer better..."
When Geralt continued, mentioning the dangerous life he led, Regis leant back against the shady tree's trunk. He felt rather lazy this afternoon. He set his satchel aside, placing it down in the grass beside him.
"I daresay we're a terrific combination, you and I, Geralt. I'm more than capable of taking care of you. Hopefully, this time around, the outcome of future situations will be better than our other past ones. Whether it's me being driven to the brink of madness, dead in the eyes of others and a mere pool upon the floor and a shadowed outline against a crumbling column, or as recently as a few years ago—having to end the life of the man who saved me—let us pray that things will be different. We've earned it, my friend. Don't you agree?" He paused for a moment, eyes softening as he glanced in Geralt's direction. "I'm looking forward to this chance. To see her, to know her, to see the easy familiarity and joy in your eyes when you talk to her. You are a good father."
-----
The praise made him feel weird. He wasn't used to people giving him such accolades and certainly not with such affection and sincerity. And he'd certainly never been called a hero before.
Initially he'd been so against having anything to do with Ciri, what was he supposed to do with a child? He had no desire to collect the debt and certainly no interest in training another Witcher, that life was dying out and it wasn't the life for a child. But as always, destiny and fate had had plans and he'd been swept along for the ride.
Of course he'd ended up fighting with everything he was for Ciri, to keep her safe and protected. He'd even fallen in love with the spirited, stubborn girl. And he couldn't be prouder of the woman that she now was.
He made a low sound in his throat, "You had your own part to play in the whole thing, Regis. Don't downplay it."
He shifted against the wall arching a brow at the words. "Sounds like a plan. But scaring her off? How would I do that, exactly?"
His very presence would probably accomplish that, to be fair.
-----
Geralt considered Regis for along moment as the man spoke, as he lounged beneath the shade of the tree, taking a little time to enjoy the coolness after the heat of the sun. He looked so alive. It was still quite startling after Regis had been nothing more than a dark smear against stone.
"Lets hope we've just about exhausted that level of trouble. Normal levels of trouble and monsters would make a nice change."
His voice was gruff, a little rough around the edges as he responded to the playfulness though a part of him wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that wasn't the case. There was probably still some trouble lurking for them out there, but he could do without the 'end of the world' bit for a while.
"You think?" He asked, not always so certain himself, but he tried and he supposed that counted.
-----
"Smile at her, simple as that." He rumbled flatly, turning his eyes toward Regis for a moment. "Thanks."
There was no heat in the tone though, in fact there was the barest edge of humour woven in. He knew what he looked like and he knew how people responded to him.
"She comes to your door? She certainly is invested in you. Have to admire the persistence." He smirked in amusement. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe, if she does come I might even answer the door for you, that might cause enough of a scene for some respite."
He paused to consider playfully. "Or quite possibly cause more of a scene, with fire and pitch forks."
-----
The praise made him feel weird. He wasn't used to people giving him such accolades and certainly not with such affection and sincerity. And he'd certainly never been called a hero before.
Initially he'd been so against having anything to do with Ciri, what was he supposed to do with a child? He had no desire to collect the debt and certainly no interest in training another Witcher, that life was dying out and it wasn't the life for a child. But as always, destiny and fate had had plans and he'd been swept along for the ride.
Of course he'd ended up fighting with everything he was for Ciri, to keep her safe and protected. He'd even fallen in love with the spirited, stubborn girl. And he couldn't be prouder of the woman that she now was.
He made a low sound in his throat, "You had your own part to play in the whole thing, Regis. Don't downplay it."
He shifted against the wall arching a brow at the words. "Sounds like a plan. But scaring her off? How would I do that, exactly?"
His very presence would probably accomplish that, to be fair.
-----
Geralt rumbled in agreement, a deep, content sound. It wasn't a wrong assessment after all, there always did seem to be some form of trouble just waiting for them. It had become something of a tradition. Sometimes it was huge, sometimes it was so small and stupid. But it was usually there, waiting.
His lips tugged up into a wonky grin as he watched Regis laugh. So open and unconcerned. It was a rare sight for the man to allow himself to be like this, usually he held himself with such poise and control. This freedom was nice.
"Alright," he agreed. It wasn't the worst thing he'd ever been asked to do. He paused though, and his grin turned a little sharper at the edges, a little more amused.
"Though, if you want to see me shirtless you only have to ask, Regis..."
-----
"Smile at her, simple as that." He rumbled flatly, turning his eyes toward Regis for a moment. "Thanks."
There was no heat in the tone though, in fact there was the barest edge of humour woven in. He knew what he looked like and he knew how people responded to him.
"She comes to your door? She certainly is invested in you. Have to admire the persistence." He smirked in amusement. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe, if she does come I might even answer the door for you, that might cause enough of a scene for some respite."
He paused to consider playfully. "Or quite possibly cause more of a scene, with fire and pitch forks."
-----
He rumbled a soft reply in the back of his throat, concedng the point. There had indeed been plenty of times that Regis had stitched him up. Sometimes because he couldn't reach the wounds himself, sometimes because he'd been too out of it and others, well, just because Regis had insisted so ardently Geralt had eventually given in.
He paused himself off of the wall as Regis stood, nodding his agreement to the question.
"Ananda? No mule this time?" He asked, rolling the stiffness from his shoulders before he turned back to Regis. "I'm sure Roach will appreciate the company, she never tells me but I think she gets bored of me on long journeys."
-----
Geralt rumbled in agreement, a deep, content sound. It wasn't a wrong assessment after all, there always did seem to be some form of trouble just waiting for them. It had become something of a tradition. Sometimes it was huge, sometimes it was so small and stupid. But it was usually there, waiting.
His lips tugged up into a wonky grin as he watched Regis laugh. So open and unconcerned. It was a rare sight for the man to allow himself to be like this, usually he held himself with such poise and control. This freedom was nice.
"Alright," he agreed. It wasn't the worst thing he'd ever been asked to do. He paused though, and his grin turned a little sharper at the edges, a little more amused.
"Though, if you want to see me shirtless you only have to ask, Regis..."
-----
"Well, good for him. I hope he's enjoying his retirement."
Despite what people may think of him, Geralt understood exactly what Regis was saying. He had the same feelings regarding Roach - each Roach that he went through. Though it seemed callous to think of it like that, in his line of work Roach didn't always fare well, despite his efforts- Traveling for so long with an animal like that as your only companion? It forged a bond after all.
After the boxes were packed up he was taking a moment to lazy stretch his back when Regis' comment made him arch a brow.
"Now we both know that you're stronger than me. Genetically gifted an' all that." He replied, though he did as asked and moved over to scoop up the stack of boxes Regis had indicated.
-----
He rumbled a soft reply in the back of his throat, concedng the point. There had indeed been plenty of times that Regis had stitched him up. Sometimes because he couldn't reach the wounds himself, sometimes because he'd been too out of it and others, well, just because Regis had insisted so ardently Geralt had eventually given in.
He paused himself off of the wall as Regis stood, nodding his agreement to the question.
"Ananda? No mule this time?" He asked, rolling the stiffness from his shoulders before he turned back to Regis. "I'm sure Roach will appreciate the company, she never tells me but I think she gets bored of me on long journeys."
-----
That was wholly true. People expected Geralt to be strong, his nature wasn't as easily hidden as Regis' and the man's current form gave off the impression of a certain wiry strength, but nothing significant.
Geralt had already caught the scent, but as Regis pointed it out he inhaled deeply, holding the wonderful scent in his lungs. He made a low sound in his throat, appreciative and thoughtful.
"Well, if that's true don't put her off too much, at least until after we've eaten. I can't remember the last time I had a really good meal and I'm keen to eat."
-----
"Well, good for him. I hope he's enjoying his retirement."
Despite what people may think of him, Geralt understood exactly what Regis was saying. He had the same feelings regarding Roach - each Roach that he went through. Though it seemed callous to think of it like that, in his line of work Roach didn't always fare well, despite his efforts- Traveling for so long with an animal like that as your only companion? It forged a bond after all.
After the boxes were packed up he was taking a moment to lazy stretch his back when Regis' comment made him arch a brow.
"Now we both know that you're stronger than me. Genetically gifted an' all that." He replied, though he did as asked and moved over to scoop up the stack of boxes Regis had indicated.
-----
"That's the spirit. We all have to make the occasional sacrifice for the greater good." Gealt responded with a sharp little grin.
He followed as Regis led the way, getting the boxes up the stairs and into the little room that Regis had been renting. It wasn't a bad little spot, truth be told, he'd certainly seen worse. It was cosy and clean and that's all anyone could ask for.
He set the boxes down next to Regis and made a low sound in his throat, a sound of agreement. "Well, if we're tagging along together then it isn't so bad, you'll be there to fix me up anyway."
-----
That was wholly true. People expected Geralt to be strong, his nature wasn't as easily hidden as Regis' and the man's current form gave off the impression of a certain wiry strength, but nothing significant.
Geralt had already caught the scent, but as Regis pointed it out he inhaled deeply, holding the wonderful scent in his lungs. He made a low sound in his throat, appreciative and thoughtful.
"Well, if that's true don't put her off too much, at least until after we've eaten. I can't remember the last time I had a really good meal and I'm keen to eat."
-----
"Well you keep coming back, so who's more ridiculous?" He asked dusting his hands idly as he moved across the little room to peer out of the window and into the street below. "Besides, if the attention of a certain lady are anything to go by, you still have a bit of something. Marlene is still sweet on you, she asks about you a lot, you know?"
He turned back toward Regis, resting back against the edge of the window for a moment before he moved, tugging off his gloves before beginning on the fastenings of his armour and sword straps. He didn't need to be suited and booted while he was inside like this.
"Still not sure I'm really built for laziness." He mused, reverently standing his swords against the edge of the desk.
There was the barest hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth at just how doting and caring Regis was naturally. He said things so thoughtlessly, so easily and he always meant it. It was astounding, really. Surprising and refreshing. The world needed a little bit more of Regis.
-----
"That's the spirit. We all have to make the occasional sacrifice for the greater good." Gealt responded with a sharp little grin.
He followed as Regis led the way, getting the boxes up the stairs and into the little room that Regis had been renting. It wasn't a bad little spot, truth be told, he'd certainly seen worse. It was cosy and clean and that's all anyone could ask for.
He set the boxes down next to Regis and made a low sound in his throat, a sound of agreement. "Well, if we're tagging along together then it isn't so bad, you'll be there to fix me up anyway."
-----
Geralt dropped his hands away and let Regis work, it was rare that someone doted on him like this, rarer still that he felt comfortable enough to let someone. But Regis had always been special.
He smirked a little as Regis struggled, amused that someone with such clever hands and lithe fingers would have trouble.
"Perhaps I should, but I've never had someone teach me how. There's always been stuff to do, the next monster to hunt, books to read, information to gather, wounds to heal or training to do. Maybe I'll start to ease myself out of it all eventually."
He paused to consider that for a moment, shrugging out of the chainmail shirt and setting it aside.
"I do have a house now, maybe it'll be different."
He made a low sound, the amused smirk back in full force.
"I'm flattered. But if someone has to follow me around, I'm glad it's you. Helps that Roach is fond of you, too."
-----
"Well you keep coming back, so who's more ridiculous?" He asked dusting his hands idly as he moved across the little room to peer out of the window and into the street below. "Besides, if the attention of a certain lady are anything to go by, you still have a bit of something. Marlene is still sweet on you, she asks about you a lot, you know?"
He turned back toward Regis, resting back against the edge of the window for a moment before he moved, tugging off his gloves before beginning on the fastenings of his armour and sword straps. He didn't need to be suited and booted while he was inside like this.
"Still not sure I'm really built for laziness." He mused, reverently standing his swords against the edge of the desk.
There was the barest hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth at just how doting and caring Regis was naturally. He said things so thoughtlessly, so easily and he always meant it. It was astounding, really. Surprising and refreshing. The world needed a little bit more of Regis.
----
Geralt made a gruff little sound glancing out at the street one last time before moving over to join Regis by the fire. He dropped into one of the chairs, slouching back against the cushions and stretching his long legs out. He sat that way for a moment before kicking off his boots.
"She does come to visits sometimes, not as often as I'd like, but she has her own life now and she's busy."
He shrugged, making it appear more casual than it was. He had complicated feelings about it all. He was pleased for her, stepping out and living her own life the way she wanted for herself. But he missed her and he worried. He'd spent so long looking for her, protecting her, chasing away people that wanted to use her... It felt strange that he wasn't needed for that any longer.
Lazily he stretched, letting a few of his joints pop before lounging once more.
"Of course you're more than welcome to accompany me as long as you like, I like your company. Offer even extends to the house, in case you need a safe place and a roof."
He grinned roughishly.
"If you can cope with Marlene fawning over you, that is. BB would be thrilled to see you too."
-----
Geralt dropped his hands away and let Regis work, it was rare that someone doted on him like this, rarer still that he felt comfortable enough to let someone. But Regis had always been special.
He smirked a little as Regis struggled, amused that someone with such clever hands and lithe fingers would have trouble.
"Perhaps I should, but I've never had someone teach me how. There's always been stuff to do, the next monster to hunt, books to read, information to gather, wounds to heal or training to do. Maybe I'll start to ease myself out of it all eventually."
He paused to consider that for a moment, shrugging out of the chainmail shirt and setting it aside.
"I do have a house now, maybe it'll be different."
He made a low sound, the amused smirk back in full force.
"I'm flattered. But if someone has to follow me around, I'm glad it's you. Helps that Roach is fond of you, too."